Edmonton Opera 2012/13 AGM

Edmonton Opera Association held its 49th Annual General Meeting yesterday at the MacEwan University, Alberta College Campus at 5:30 p.m. The Report to the Community was released, as well as financial statements for 2012/13 and changes to the society’s bylaws.

Irving Kipnes, past chair, thanked the board, staff, supporters and volunteers and said that he’s aware the organization is reviewing its current business model, and looking for measures that will make it more financially sustainable.

The board of directors appointed Tim Yakimec to the position of General Manager. Yakimec has been with the company for over seven years, as the Director of Production, and served as the Interim Business Manager in the past six months. The board also appointed Jelena Bojic to Assistant General Manager. Bojic has been with Edmonton Opera for 3 years, as the Director of Community Relations.

The board has elected Richard Cook to be the new Chair. Cook spent 30 years with MacEwan University, 15 of which he served as the Dean of the Centre for the Arts. Becoming transfixed with the opera art form in 1969, Cook said he is looking forward to his new role, and noted that the need for growth and future success of Edmonton Opera will be the primary consideration in our selection both of a model for artistic direction and for finding the right individual for that role.

Next season, Edmonton Opera’s presence will be felt equally on and off the stage.

The opera company announced its 50th anniversary season on Jan. 23, which includes productions of Richard Strauss’ Salome, Johann Strauss’ Die Fledermaus and Giacomo Puccini’s Madama Butterfly.

In addition, anniversary-specific projects have been announced for 2013/14: an Edmonton Opera chorus concert in November 2013, a Canadian new work competition known as Opera Next and an education partnership called DIY Opera.